Harper Government Supports Bill C-428, the Indian Act Amendment and Replacement Act

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 18, 2012) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced the Harper Government's support in principle for Private Member's Bill C-428, the Indian Act Amendment and Replacement Act, brought forward by Rob Clarke, the Member from Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River.

"Our Government recognizes that the Indian Act is an impediment to the success of Canada's First Nations," said Minister Duncan. "Bill C-428 is consistent with our Government's approach of taking concrete, but incremental, steps to create the conditions for healthier, more self-sufficient First Nation communities, and we look forward to studying the bill in committee, hearing from witnesses and, as always, exploring opportunities to improve it."

Bill C-428 proposes a number of concrete actions that give First Nations greater responsibility over day-to-day issues, including the administration of wills and estates, and the creation of by-laws. In addition, the bill proposes to remove outdated provisions of the Indian Act, repeals all references to residential schools, and removes unnecessary schools-related provisions.

These changes are consistent with steps taken by the Harper Government over the last six years to unlock the economic development potential of First Nation communities, and give First Nation citizens greater access to the same rights as all Canadians.